The Akh remembers being schooled by his father on the ways of politicians the world over, when two politicians of different parties start to argue about policies and promises, they both accuse each other of incompetence and dishonesty.

That is the only situation when both are shown to be correct, every time there is an election looming, that becomes even more true.

My old trustworthy Oxford English Dictionary defines the Conservative Party as being “heavily dependent on the landowning and middle classes”.

Whilst the Labour Party “promotes an active role for the state creation of economic prosperity and the provision of social services”.

All the parties have talked about protecting and increasing spending on certain populist aspects of government.

What they have failed to state is how exactly they intend to fund their spending spree?

This “Americanised” TV debate will be analysed with every subtle nuance, tick and body language being pored over by the so called experts. I’m sure Debate Coaching experts as pointed out by the beeb will have been hired by all three parties, and i’m sure they have been studiously drilling their clients on the finer details, watch out for;

The first ever televised presidential debate took place between Senator John F. Kennedy (D-MA) and Vice President Richard Nixon (R-CA).

Held on September 26, 1960, it was the first presidential debate between candidates from opposing political parties as well as the first one to be televised. It is best known not by its subject matter, but by the preparedness and physical appearance of both candidates.

Television audiences thought Kennedy won the debate by a landslide, while radio audiences thought Nixon won it by a landslide.

Nixon appeared emaciated, unhealthy, and awkward, while Kennedy appeared handsome, tanned and confident.

Nixon was recovering from an injured knee that resulted in a recent hospital stay. He had just arrived at the studio after a strenuous campaign in which he made appearances in all 50 states, including newly admitted Alaska and Hawaii.

He refused to have make up applied to his face, and had not shaved, making his stubble clearly visible to television viewers.

Kennedy on the other hand, took time to rest before the debates and his suit contrasted well against the background.

In effect, Nixon’s grey suit seemed to blend in with the background, especially on the era’s black and white television screens.

In today’s era of spin and public relation management dominating the way information is synthesised and analysed, it is vital for all of us not to get carried away, after all appearances can be deceptive, rather, it’s far more important that we to what is being said.

The first of the debates will be broadcasted tonight on ITV1 from 2030 BST. Tonight’s clash will focus on domestic affairs, but leaders can air other issues

"Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil & believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And Allah hears & knows all things."
(The Qur'an, Al-Baqara, 2: 256)

“Political authority & religion are kin brothers, neither would stand but by its companion; because religion is the foundation of political power & its pillar, & political power is the guardian of religion; political power is not established with a foundation & religion cannot be implemented without authority.”
- Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi

"War is not merely a political act, but also a political instrument, a continuation of political relations, a carrying out of the same by other means" - Clausewitz

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."
(The Qur'an, Al Hujurat, 49: 13)